Let’s be honest—most cold chicken pasta salad recipes are either drowning in mayo or taste like sad, overcooked noodles. Not this one. This healthy chicken pasta salad is fresh, light, and actually delicious (shocking, I know).
I made this for a BBQ once, and let’s just say it disappeared faster than my patience when someone says, “I don’t really like pasta.” With juicy avocado, tomato, and basil, plus a simple Italian dressing, this dish is the perfect barbecue side dish or meal prep lifesaver. Bonus? It takes less than 20 minutes to throw together—because who has time for complicated salads?
So, if you’re looking for an easy pasta salad recipe that won’t bore you to death, this is it. Grab a fork, and let’s make some magic.
Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large salad bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mason jar with lid (for dressing)
Ingredients
- 2 medium cooked chicken breasts shredded or chopped (about 1.5-2 cups)
- 1 pound rotini pasta cooked and cooled
- 2 ripe avocados pitted and diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup red onion chopped
- ½ cup fresh basil chopped
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice for tossing with avocado to prevent browning
Dressing:
- ½ cup white wine vinegar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly.1 pound rotini pasta
- Prep the Ingredients: While the pasta is cooling, chop the chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and basil. Toss the avocado with a little lemon or lime juice to prevent browning.2 medium cooked chicken breasts, 2 ripe avocados, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, ½ cup red onion, ½ cup fresh basil, 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Make the Dressing: In a mason jar, combine white wine vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Shake well until combined.½ cup white wine vinegar, ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chicken, avocado, tomatoes, onion, and basil.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Season and Serve: Taste the salad and season with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If storing, add the avocado just before serving for maximum freshness.Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado – Pro Tips from Someone Who’s Made It a Million Times (So You Don’t Have To) 🥑🍝✨
Alright, so you’re making this cold chicken pasta salad—great choice. But before you dive in, let me drop some hard-earned wisdom so you don’t end up with mushy pasta, sad avocado, or a dressing situation that feels… off. Trust me, I’ve been there. Here’s how to do it right:
1. Pasta Matters – Choose Wisely! 🍜🚫
Not all pasta is salad-friendly. Rotini? Perfect. Spaghetti? A disaster waiting to happen. You need something with ridges or grooves to hold onto that tasty Italian dressing. Bowtie, penne, or even macaroni work too. Just don’t overcook it—mushy pasta will ruin your day.
2. Cool Your Pasta Like You Mean It ❄️🌡️
Nothing ruins a salad faster than warm pasta cooking the other ingredients into oblivion. After draining, rinse it under cold water to stop the madness. Or, if you’re fancy (or just impatient), spread it on a baking sheet and pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes.
3. Avocado Turns Brown—Fix It! 🥑⏳
Look, I get it. Avocados love to betray us. The trick? Toss the diced avocado in lemon or lime juice before adding it to the salad. No one wants weird brown chunks ruining their beautiful avocado pasta salad.
4. The Dressing – Don’t Be Lazy 🥄💥
Bottled dressing? You could… but don’t. This easy pasta salad recipe shines with a simple homemade Italian dressing—vinegar, olive oil, and Italian seasoning. It takes one minute to shake up in a jar. You can handle it.
5. Season Like You Mean It 🧂🔥
Salt and cracked black pepper aren’t suggestions—they’re requirements. Taste as you go. No one wants a bland chicken pasta salad. And if you’re feeling bold, a pinch of red pepper flakes never hurt anyone.
6. Make It Your Own (Because You’re a Rebel) 🤘🥗
- No chicken? Swap it for shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Love cheese? Crumbled feta or shredded parmesan will take it up a notch.
- Want crunch? Add cucumbers, bell peppers, or even toasted almonds.
- Need a balsamic twist? Swap the vinegar for balsamic and turn this into a balsamic chicken pasta salad masterpiece.
7. Leftovers? Handle With Care 🥡👀
This salad keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days, but let’s be real—it’s best fresh. If making ahead, wait to add the avocado and basil until just before serving. And give it a quick toss before eating—the dressing likes to settle.
8. The Secret Ingredient? Confidence 😏✨
No, really. The best pasta salad with chicken is the one made with love (and a little attitude). Play around with flavors, trust your instincts, and don’t stress—it’s just salad, not a science experiment.
Now go make this salad like the pro you are. And if anyone asks, tell them you totally just threw it together. 😉
